Meatball Minestrone

1 pound ground beef
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
2-1/2 cups water
1 can (15-1/2 ounces) kidney beans with liquid
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup sliced celery
1/4 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

In a large bowl, combine the beef, egg, onion, crumbs, salt and pepper. Shape into 1-in. balls. In large saucepan, brown meatballs on all sides until no longer pink. Drain. Add remaining ingredients except macaroni and parsley; cover and simmer 20 minutes. Add macaroni; simmer 10 minutes or until tender. Stir in parsley. Makes 8 servings (2 quarts).

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